I've entered my Black Sea Journal in the Handmade Gift Guide's poll this week.
Please VOTE for it. The winner get 2 weeks of free ad space and a feature on the blog. As of right now, I'm in 3rd place and still have a ways to go to catch up. But the poll is open until 11:59pm on Thursday, so maybe with a little bit of your help, anything could be possible?

And if you do vote, leave a comment here letting me know that you voted along with your email address and I'll send you a coupon for 10% off in my Etsy shop. :)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

As you can see, I am going to attempt to integrate some consistency in this blog with weekly, themed posts. On Wishlist Wednesdays, I'll feature an items some of my favorite shops, things I've been considering buying for a while, and items from shops of people I know.

To kick off this feature, I'll actually going to talk about an item that represents more an idea for me.

Banana Strudel's shop is filled with tons of beautiful antique maps and illustrated charts of animal life. If her maps weren't so precious, I'd love to incorporate them into one of my map books.

Of course, the map of Delaware resonates with me because of my connection to the state. Having gone to college there, it represents an infinite amount of wonderful memories and I pine for the friends I made while there (even with many of them in different states).

With my sister currently attending school there, I have just another good excuse to plan a visit down there. But until then, I'll just look at this map.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

It's a pretty chilly, rainy day here in Rochester. But these kinds of days always make for good excuses to say inside and work on some crafting. My schedule is completely clear today (what else is new..) and it's still pretty early, which means I should be able to get a lot done.
To start off the morning, here's a treasury featuring RNEST members. Autumn in Rochester:

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Spain and Portugal Journal: hand bound using the coptic stitch; cover made from upcycled cardboard an a vintage map; Strathmore Windpower Sketch paper made from 30% post-consumer materials; $15 on Etsy

Spain and Portugal Journal: hand bound using the coptic stitch; cover made from upcycled cardboard an a vintage map; Strathmore Windpower Sketch paper made from 30% post-consumer materials; $15 on Etsy